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Rasmussen AN, Petersen KS, Overgaard C. An Overwhelming Burden of Psychosocial Stress: Life With Ischemic Heart Disease for Midlife Patients With Low Socioeconomic Status and Lack of Flexible Resources. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:2666-2677. [PMID: 34605705 DOI: 10.1177/10497323211043493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The largest social inequalities in ischemic heart disease are found in the midlife population. These inequalities are often explained by lifestyle factors, while the role of structural factors and psychosocial stress are generally less acknowledged. In this study, we explore the influence of psychosocial stress on life with ischemic heart disease for midlife patients with low socioeconomic status and lack of flexible resources. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 participants, and a critical hermeneutic approach was used to analyze and interpret data. We found that the participants were exposed to several external psychosocial stressors related to their family relationships, employment conditions, and experiences of stigmatization. These stressors reinforced each other and created an overwhelming burden of psychosocial stress. Our findings call for supportive interventions that target external psychosocial stressors and stressful feelings among this vulnerable group of patients.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Recovery from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been primarily understood in a narrow medical sense. For patients who survive, secondary prevention focuses largely on enhancing clinical outcomes. As a result, there is a lack of descriptive accounts of patients' experiences after AMI and little is known about how people go about the challenge of recovering from such an event. OBJECTIVE We conducted a meta-synthesis of the available literature on qualitative accounts of patients' experiences after AMI. METHODS We searched for relevant papers that were descriptive, qualitative accounts of participants' experiences after AMI across 4 electronic databases (April 2016). Using an adapted meta-ethnography approach, we analyzed the findings by translating studies into one another and synthesizing the findings from the studies. RESULTS After a review of titles/abstracts, reading each article twice in full, and cross-referencing articles, this process resulted in 17 studies with 224 participants (48% women) aged 23 to 90 years. All participants provided a first-person account of an AMI within the 3-day to 25-year time frame. Two major themes emerged that characterized patients' experiences: navigating lifestyle changes and navigating the emotional reaction to the event-consisting of various subthemes. CONCLUSION Although AMI tends to be seen as a discrete event, participants are left with little professional guidance as to how to negotiate significant, and often discordant, psychosocial changes that have long-lasting effects on their lives, similar to persons with chronic illnesses but without research in place to figure out how to best support them.
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Journiac J, Vioulac C, Jacob A, Escarnot C, Untas A. What Do We Know About Young Adult Cardiac Patients' Experience? A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1119. [PMID: 32733301 PMCID: PMC7358619 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies interested in patients coping with a cardiac illness usually focus on children, teenagers, and adults above the age of 55. Apart from the field of congenital heart diseases, there is a general lack of literature regarding young adult cardiac patients (18-55 years old) who seem to cope with psychosocial issues. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to gather all the research carried out concerning the psychological experiences of young adult cardiac patients. Methods and Results: A comprehensive, systematic review was conducted on quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies in PsycINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library databases. Out of the 10,747 articles found, 32 were included. While we aimed to include many cardiac diseases, coronary patients dominated the data. Five main themes emerged: emotional states (depression, anxiety, emotional distress, and stress), quality of life (health-related quality of life, physical functioning, and sexuality), adjusting to the medical environment (coping with the disease, health behavior change, financial barriers, and interactions with medical professionals), social life (social support and work), and identity (parenthood, new challenges, and new meanings). The results highlighted that their levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life were sometimes worse than in the general population and than in older and younger patients coping with a cardiac illness. Social isolation, identity changes, work, and parenthood were the specific challenges that this population had to face. Furthermore, young adult cardiac patients showed worse health behavior profiles than the general population and felt that they lacked information from professionals, especially regarding sexuality. Compared to men, women had worse psychosocial outcomes, especially regarding depression, stress, emotional distress, and quality of life. Conclusions: Young adult cardiac patients are to be considered with their own identity and challenges. They may be in need of specific interventions, some dedicated to women, and better communication is necessary with their families and professional caregivers so as to improve the patient's mental health, quality of life, coping skills, and adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anne Jacob
- Université de Paris, LPPS, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | | | - Aurélie Untas
- Université de Paris, LPPS, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
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Bremer A, Dahné T, Stureson L, Årestedt K, Thylén I. Lived experiences of surviving in‐hospital cardiac arrest. Scand J Caring Sci 2018; 33:156-164. [DOI: 10.1111/scs.12616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Bremer
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Linnaeus University Kalmar/Växjö Sweden
- Division of Emergency Medical Services Kalmar County Council Kalmar Sweden
| | - Tova Dahné
- Department of Surgical Sciences Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Akademiska Hospital Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Lovisa Stureson
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, and Department of Medical and Health Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Kristofer Årestedt
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Linnaeus University Kalmar/Växjö Sweden
- The Research Section Kalmar County Council Kalmar Sweden
| | - Ingela Thylén
- Departments of Cardiology and Medical and Health Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
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Smith S, Eatough V, Smith J, Mihai R, Weaver A, Sadler GP. 'I know I'm not invincible': An interpretative phenomenological analysis of thyroid cancer in young people. Br J Health Psychol 2018; 23:352-370. [PMID: 29356226 PMCID: PMC5901396 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective Thyroid cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting young people and carries an excellent prognosis. Little is known about the psychosocial issues that face young people diagnosed with a treatable cancer. This study explored how young people experienced diagnosis, treatment, and how they made sense of an experience which challenged their views on what it means to have cancer. Method Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with eight young people diagnosed with either papillary or follicular thyroid cancer, and analysed with interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Results Two inter‐related aspects of their experience are discussed: (1) the range of feelings and emotions experienced including feeling disregarded, vulnerability, shock and isolation; (2) how they made sense of and ascribed meaning to their experience in the light of the unique nature of their cancer. A thread running throughout the findings highlights that this was a disruptive biographical experience. Conclusions Young people experienced a loss of youthful immunity which contrasted with a sense of growth and shift in life perspective. Having a highly treatable cancer was helpful in aiding them to reframe their situation positively but at the same time left them feeling dismissed over a lack of recognition that they had cancer. The young peoples’ experiences point to a need for increased understanding of this rare cancer, more effective communication from health care professionals and a greater understanding of the experiential impact of this disease on young people. Suggestions to improve the service provision to this patient group are provided. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Differentiated thyroid cancer has an excellent prognosis. Quality of life of thyroid cancer has marginally been explored in the literature. Little is known on the support needs of young people diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
What does this study add? Increased understanding of how young people make sense and cope with thyroid cancer despite the lack of support resources. Addressing illness perceptions through improved information support may aid coping and adjustment. Insight into the needs of young people diagnosed with thyroid cancer and recommendations on service improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Smith
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Virginia Eatough
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck University of London, UK
| | - James Smith
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Radu Mihai
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Andrew Weaver
- Department of Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Gregory P Sadler
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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McGarrol S. The emotional challenges of conducting in-depth research into significant health issues in health geography: reflections on emotional labour, fieldwork and life course. AREA (OXFORD, ENGLAND) 2017; 49:436-442. [PMID: 29400349 PMCID: PMC5765835 DOI: 10.1111/area.12347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Emotions are increasingly being recognised and integrated into human geography and it has been highlighted that focusing on the 'interrelatedness' of the research process is crucial. By contextualising fieldwork within the life course of the researcher, greater acknowledgement of the 'emotional labour' involved in fieldwork can be highlighted. The author reflects on the 'emotional geographies' of conducting PhD research into significant health issues with participants who had recently suffered a heart attack in Fife, Scotland. This paper reveals emotions involved in this kind of research, drawing on perspectives from participants as well as the researcher. The author also draws attention to, and reflects on, the lack of engagement with researcher's emotional labour within formal academic structures, such as research training and ethics application processes. Reflecting on fieldwork experiences from a distance, the author discusses the influence and impact of her emotional experiences of fieldwork. This paper contributes to work concerned with emotions and fieldwork in geography and asserts that greater importance and value needs to be given to this type of emotion work as embedded and situated within researchers' life courses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah McGarrol
- Department of Public Health and PolicyHealth Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infection (NIHR)Farr Institute @ The Health eResearch CentreUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL69 3GL
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Merritt CJ, de Zoysa N, Hutton JM. A qualitative study of younger men's experience of heart attack (myocardial infarction). Br J Health Psychol 2017; 22:589-608. [PMID: 28544174 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The effects of heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI), across psychosocial domains may be particularly acute in younger adults, for whom serious health events are non-normative. MI morbidity is declining in Western countries, but in England MI numbers have plateaued for the under-45 cohort, where approximately 90% of patients are male. Qualitative research on younger adults' experience of MI is limited, and no study has sampled exclusively under-45s. This study aimed to understand how a sample of men under 45 adjusted to and made sense of MI. DESIGN Qualitative research design based on semi-structured in-depth interviews. METHODS Ten men aged under 45 who had experienced MI in the past 3-6 months were purposively recruited and interviewed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS Seven superordinate themes were identified. This article focuses in depth on the three most original themes: (1) 'I'm less of a man', which described experiences of losing 'maleness' (strength, independence, ability to provide) post-MI; (2) 'Shortened horizons', which covered participants' sense of foreshortened future and consequent reprioritization; and (3) 'Life loses its colour', describing the loss of pleasure from lifestyle-related changes. CONCLUSION Themes broadly overlapped with the qualitative literature on younger adult MI. However, some themes (e.g., loss of 'maleness' post-MI, and ambivalence towards MI risk factors) appeared unique to this study. Themes were also discussed in relation to risk factors for anxiety and depression and how this might inform clinical care for a younger, male population. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Myocardial infarction (MI) morbidity is not declining in England for under-45s. Adjustment to MI is particularly challenging for younger adults, perhaps because it is non-normative. However, little is known about the experience of MI in younger adults. What does this study add? This is the first qualitative study to sample MI patients exclusively under 45, thereby mapping to epidemiological trends. Further support is provided for some themes identified in the existing young adult MI literature. New themes are identified here which can provide insights relevant to clinical care in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole de Zoysa
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jane M Hutton
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Angus JE, King-Shier KM, Spaling MA, Duncan AS, Jaglal SB, Stone JA, Clark AM. A secondary meta-synthesis of qualitative studies of gender and access to cardiac rehabilitation. J Adv Nurs 2015; 71:1758-73. [DOI: 10.1111/jan.12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan E. Angus
- Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing; University of Toronto; Ontario Canada
| | - Kathryn M. King-Shier
- Faculty of Nursing and Department of Community Health Sciences; University of Calgary; Alberta Canada
| | | | - Amanda S. Duncan
- Faculty of Nursing; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Susan B. Jaglal
- Department of Physical Therapy; University of Toronto; Ontario Canada
| | - James A. Stone
- Faculty of Medicine; University of Calgary Director of Research; Cardiac Wellness Institute of Calgary; Alberta Canada
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Ziebland S, Locock L, Fitzpatrick R, Stokes T, Robert G, O’Flynn N, Bennert K, Ryan S, Thomas V, Martin A. Informing the development of NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) quality standards through secondary analysis of qualitative narrative interviews on patients’ experiences. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2014. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr02450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundWe set out to explore if, and how, an archive of qualitative, narrative interviews covering over 60 health issues could be used to inform the development of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) quality standards. We also sought to identify which aspects of health care are important to people facing different health conditions and to test a set of ‘core components’ in focus groups with people who tend to be less well represented in interview research studies.Objectives(1) To conduct qualitative secondary analysis (of collections of narrative interviews) to identify common, core components of patients’ experiences of the NHS. (2) To test these candidate components with (i) further purposive sampling of the interview collections and (ii) a series of focus groups with users. (3) To embed the project alongside the development of NICE clinical guidelines and quality standards. (4) To inform the development of measurement tools on patients’ experiences. (5) To develop and share resources and skills for secondary analysis of qualitative health research.Methods and data sourcesWe used qualitative methods including qualitative secondary analysis, interviews with team members and focus groups. We also ran a workshop on secondary analysis practice and a dissemination seminar. The secondary analysis used narrative interviews from the archive held by the Health Experiences Research Group in Oxford. These interviews have been collected over a 12-year period, number over 3500 and are copyrighted to the University of Oxford for research publications and broadcasting. Other data were digital recordings of interviews and observations at meetings. We prepared reports intended to contribute to NICE clinical guidelines and quality standards development.ResultsWe identified eight consistently important aspects of care: involving the patient in decisions; a friendly and caring attitude; an understanding of how life is affected; seeing the same health professional; guiding through difficult conversations; taking time to explain; pointing towards further support; and efficiently sharing health information across services. Expectations varied but we found few differences in what is valued, even when we tested the reach of these ideas with groups who rarely take part in mainstream health research. The asthma report for NICE highlighted several issues, but only the importance of proper inhaler training contributed to a quality statement. Several barriers were identified to using (unpublished) tailor-made analyses in NICE product development.ConclusionsWe compared the perspectives about what is most valued in health care between people with different health conditions. They were in agreement, even though their experiences of health-care relationships varied enormously. With regard to the NICE clinical guideline and quality standard development process, the usual source of evidence is published qualitative or quantitative research. Unpublished secondary analysis of qualitative data did not fit the usual criteria for evidence. We suggest that targeted secondary analysis of qualitative data has more potential when the qualitative literature is sparse, unclear or contradictory. Further work might include further testing of the identified core components in other patient groups and health conditions, and collaboration with NICE technical teams to establish whether or not it is possible to identify areas of patient experience research where targeted secondary analyses have potential to add to a qualitative literature synthesis.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Ziebland
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Louise Locock
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ray Fitzpatrick
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tim Stokes
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Manchester, UK
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Primary Care Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Glenn Robert
- National Nursing Research Unit, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | - Kristina Bennert
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sara Ryan
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Victoria Thomas
- Patient and Public Involvement Programme, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, London, UK
| | - Angela Martin
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Experiences and actions during the decision making process among men with a first acute myocardial infarction. J Cardiovasc Nurs 2014; 30:332-9. [PMID: 24763356 DOI: 10.1097/jcn.0000000000000137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that people hesitate to seek medical attention when experiencing the initial symptoms of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but the reasons why and the events underpinning the decision-making process are unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the actions and experiences involved in the process of seeking medical attention in men with a first AMI. METHODS We studied 21 men, aged 39-73 years, hospitalized with a first AMI between May 2011 and March 2013. All were interviewed in the coronary unit before discharge, with one exception. Data collection and analysis were carried out simultaneously in accordance with grounded theory methodology. RESULTS Men diagnosed with a first AMI experienced a spectrum of insidious and vague symptoms, which they did not associate with an AMI. This caused uncertainty in how to interpret symptom severity and contributed to a reluctance to seek medical care. Participants also had difficulty interpreting online information when seeking to explain their symptoms. Weighing up and comparing the various experiences during the early stages of AMI proved to be the trigger that changed the men's perspectives and made them aware of the abnormality, the severity of their illness, and the need for action. CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals should be aware that men experience a range of insidious and vague symptoms during their first AMI and must give greater emphasis to their narratives, particularly when objective clinical signs are limited or absent. Consideration should be given to the ways laypeople interpret online information when designing healthcare resources for the Internet.
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Rafael Rondanelli I, Rafael Rondanelli S. Estilo de vida y enfermedad cardiovascular en el hombre. REVISTA MÉDICA CLÍNICA LAS CONDES 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s0716-8640(14)70013-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Clark AM, King-Shier KM, Spaling MA, Duncan AS, Stone JA, Jaglal SB, Thompson DR, Angus JE. Factors influencing participation in cardiac rehabilitation programmes after referral and initial attendance: qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis. Clin Rehabil 2013; 27:948-59. [DOI: 10.1177/0269215513481046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background: Greater participation in cardiac rehabilitation improves morbidity and mortality in people with coronary heart disease, but little is understood of patients’ decisions to participate. Methods: To develop interventions aimed at increasing completion of programmes, we conducted a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis to explore the complex factors and processes influencing participation in cardiac rehabilitation programmes after referral and initial access. To be included in the review, studies had to contain a qualitative research component, population specific data on programme participation in adults >18 years, and be published ≥1995 as full articles or theses. Ten databases were searched (31 October 2011) using 100+ search terms. Results: Of 2264 citations identified, 62 studies were included involving: 1646 patients (57% female; mean age 64.2), 143 caregivers, and 79 professionals. Patients’ participation was most strongly influenced by perceptions of the nature, suitability and scheduling of programmes, social comparisons made possible by programmes, and the degree to which programmes, providers, and programme users met expectations. Women’s experiences of these factors rendered them less likely to complete. Comparatively, perceptions of programme benefits had little influence on participation. Conclusions: Factors reducing participation in programmes are varied but amenable to intervention. Participation should be viewed as a ‘consumer behaviour’ and interventions should mobilize family support, promote ‘patient friendly’ scheduling, and actively harness the social, identity-related, and experiential aspects of participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Clark
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kathryn M King-Shier
- Faculty of Nursing and Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Melisa A Spaling
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, UK
| | - Amanda S Duncan
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, UK
| | - James A Stone
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Cardiac Wellness Institute, Calgary, Alberta, UK
| | - Susan B Jaglal
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David R Thompson
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jan E Angus
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, UK
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Andersson EK, Borglin G, Willman A. The experience of younger adults following myocardial infarction. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2013; 23:762-772. [PMID: 23515297 DOI: 10.1177/1049732313482049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to elucidate the meaning of the experience of younger people (< 55 years) during their first year following a myocardial infarction. We analyzed 17 interviews using a phenomenological-hermeneutic method. The core theme and central phenomenon was the everyday fight to redress the balance in life, which encompassed an existential, physical, and emotional battle to regain a foothold in daily life. The aftermath of a life-threatening event involved a process of transition while at the same time creating a new meaning in life. Lack of energy and its impact on the complex interplay of midlife combined with unreasonable demands from employers and health care professionals seemed to color the experience of the informants. The knowledge gained in this study can constitute a valuable contribution to overall quality assurance in nursing care and the development of nursing interventions for the cardiac rehabilitation of younger patients.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs can prevent heart disease in high-risk populations. However, up to half of all patients referred to these programs do not subsequently participate. Although age, sex, and social factors are common predictors of attendance, to increase attendance rates after referral, the complex range of factors and processes influencing attendance needs to be better understood. METHODS A systematic review using qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted. Ten databases were systematically searched using 100+ search terms until October 31, 2011. To be included, studies had to contain a qualitative research component and population-specific primary data pertaining to program attendance after referral for adults older than 18 years and be published as full articles in or after 1995. RESULTS Ninety studies were included (2010 patients, 120 caregivers, 312 professionals). Personal and contextual barriers and facilitators were intricately linked and consistently influenced patients' decisions to attend. The main personal factors affecting attendance after referral included patients' knowledge of services, patient identity, perceptions of heart disease, and financial or occupational constraints. These were consistently derived from social as opposed to clinical sources. Contextual factors also influenced patient attendance, including family and, less commonly, health professionals. Regardless of the perceived severity of heart disease, patients could view risk as inherently uncontrollable and any attempts to manage risk as futile. CONCLUSIONS Decisions to attend programs are influenced more by social factors than by health professional advice or clinical information. Interventions to increase patient attendance should involve patients and their families and harness social mechanisms.
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Abstract
Defining and describing health has traditionally been the role of medical experts. Although a rich literature has recently established the importance of lay accounts of health, one important gap relates to gay men’s accounts of health. Data from 11 focus groups involving 45 gay men were thematically analyzed to investigate gay men’s views of health. Two contrasting positions on a possible relationship between sexuality and health—there is no link or there is a definite link—were identified. In addition, five key ways gay men talked about health were identified: health is the absence of disease, is functional ability, is fitness and exercise, is psychological, and is multifaceted. Although there are similarities in the ways gay and other men talk about health, important differences exist, which suggest that issues of sexuality need to be considered by health policy and service planners so that responsive health services can be provided.
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